U12 Eagles soar to success in local derby!

The much anticipated early season local derby between the two BSCC u12 A teams played out in fine weather at Cricketfield Lane. The Sloggers won the toss and decided to bowl (much to the surprise of their manager!). Despite losing Luca early, runs flowed for the Eagles.  Ciaran W (19), Lewis G (14) and Charlie W (14) all played some fine shots, rode their luck a little and put fielders under pressure. Spin took the early wickets with one for Sam B and one for Conran F...however 55 for 2 off 9 was a very solid start for the Eagles.  Then Harry F (1), Ed W (1) and Thomas A (2) all bowled well and suddenly the Eagles were 67 for 5 off 12 overs! To the rescue came Sam M who batted with great maturity and patience to lead the Eagles out of a sticky situation and was later joined by Arthur H who batted with freedom to take the score to 110 for 6.  

In contrast to the Sloggers first 6 or 7 overs the Eagles were on the spot from the beginning. Very few extras and consistent line and length restricted the Sloggers to around 3 runs per over as the Sloggers batsmen struggled to pierce the field and find gaps.  The bowling was very impressive for the first 10 or 11 overs with Arthur H the pick of the bowlers (2 for 11 off 3).  There were also wickets for Luca L, Tom F, Ethan H and Max F.  Sam B batted really well to retire not out on 25 but others struggled a little against persistent bowling until Toby R and Ed F entered the arena. These two injected some real purpose into the play and showed what is possible if you put the bowlers and fielders under pressure. From scoring at 3 an over Sloggers were suddenly scoring at 7+. However despite Toby's heroic efforts, he and others were left with too much to do and in fading light the Sloggers ended up 9 runs short.

A great advert for u12s cricket and the quality on show from both teams shows how far they have come in the last year or so. Rotating the strike and ground fielding are definite focus areas for the next practice session and the boys will need to learn to get through their overs quicker if they want to have good light to bat in!